Alexander Pushkin, the father of Modern Russian literature, has influenced every great contemporary Russian writer. His timeless poetry and insightful prose solidify him as a leading voice in Russian culture. During his lifetime, Pushkin dealt with racism and discrimination because his African great-grandfather, Abram Gannibal. In combating negative framing of his identity and his ancestry, Pushkin reveals a defense and reclamation of self seldom seen in contemporaries of his day. In... Show moreAlexander Pushkin, the father of Modern Russian literature, has influenced every great contemporary Russian writer. His timeless poetry and insightful prose solidify him as a leading voice in Russian culture. During his lifetime, Pushkin dealt with racism and discrimination because his African great-grandfather, Abram Gannibal. In combating negative framing of his identity and his ancestry, Pushkin reveals a defense and reclamation of self seldom seen in contemporaries of his day. In asserting ownership over his ancestry, he takes back his narrative and dignity. Through his literary works, Pushkin shows how he navigated his blackness in a world that sought to undermine it. Show less

Date Issued

2018

Identifier

2018_Sp_Pryor_fsu_0071N_14550

Format

Thesis

Title

Casualties of Unification?: Understanding the Various Interpretations of the Dissolution of the Nationale Volksarmee and the Integration of Its Members into the Bundeswehr.

Creator

Weidanz, Roy R., Stoltzfus, Nathan, Adamovich, Ljubisa S., Jones, James P., Program in Russian and East European Studies, Florida State University

Abstract/Description

Over the last few years the military aspect of German unification has received positive media coverage, which has prompted some to apply the term Armee der Einheit (Armed Forces of Unity) to describe the Bundeswehr of today. However, there are others who have argued that this term is inappropriate, as the process that occurred between the two militaries was a one-sided procedure that almost entirely favored the Bundeswehr (West German armed forces). After the NVA (East German armed forces)... Show moreOver the last few years the military aspect of German unification has received positive media coverage, which has prompted some to apply the term Armee der Einheit (Armed Forces of Unity) to describe the Bundeswehr of today. However, there are others who have argued that this term is inappropriate, as the process that occurred between the two militaries was a one-sided procedure that almost entirely favored the Bundeswehr (West German armed forces). After the NVA (East German armed forces) was dissolved, only a limited number of its personnel was taken over into the West German military and an even smaller amount eventually became permanent Bundeswehr soldiers. Furthermore, the process did not occur without some form of sacrifice placed upon most of the NVA personnel. As a result, there are a variety of interpretations on the dissolution of the NVA and the integration of its personnel into the Bundeswehr. Thus, one of the main challenges to understanding the event is to analyze how and why divergent interpretations have been derived, which in turn will help in the comprehension of the overall unification event as well as the open issues that continue to have a psychological impact on the former East Germans. Show less

Kibler, Hannah Salyers, Grant, Jonathan A., Creswell, Michael, Souva, Mark A., Florida State University, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Program in International... Show moreKibler, Hannah Salyers, Grant, Jonathan A., Creswell, Michael, Souva, Mark A., Florida State University, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Program in International Affairs Show less

Abstract/Description

Given its geographical position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, the North Caucasus plays an important role in buffering Russia from outside threats. In exchange for unwavering loyalty and the stabilization of the region, Russian President Vladimir Putin has entrusted Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov with nearly unfettered control over Chechnya. On the surface, it appears that he has achieved a state of stability. Unemployment has significantly dropped from that of the war period, the... Show moreGiven its geographical position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, the North Caucasus plays an important role in buffering Russia from outside threats. In exchange for unwavering loyalty and the stabilization of the region, Russian President Vladimir Putin has entrusted Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov with nearly unfettered control over Chechnya. On the surface, it appears that he has achieved a state of stability. Unemployment has significantly dropped from that of the war period, the Chechen capital of Grozny has dramatically transformed from a pile of rubble to a bustling city and, most significantly, the number of politically motivated attacks have dramatically decreased. This "transformation," however, comes at a very high cost, making it both superficial and unstable. In order to snuff out extremism since his rise to power, Kadyrov has committed and continues to commit a plethora of human rights abuses, ranging from kidnapping to murder. From an economic perspective, the cost of Kadyrov's loyalty is staggering, and both the private and public sectors are plagued by corruption. Radical Islam also poses a significant threat as groups such as the Caucasus Emirate and the Islamic State vie for influence in the region. This research aims to answer whether Kadyrov's abusive policies, as well as related outside factors, pose a threat of renewed political violence in Chechnya by analyzing policies regarding Chechnya's security apparatus, economy, and Islam. This analysis asserts that while Kadyrov's methods of leadership have provided short term benefits in stabilizing Chechnya, these successes have come at a very high cost and factors which contribute to the likelihood of political violence persist. Show less

Date Issued

2016

Identifier

FSU_2016SP_Kibler_fsu_0071N_13271

Format

Thesis

Title

Reassessing Russian Warlordism: The Case for a New Paradigm.

Creator

Wonnacott, Collin J. (Collin James), Grant, Jonathan A., Souva, Mark A., Efimov, Nina A., Florida State University, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Program in... Show moreWonnacott, Collin J. (Collin James), Grant, Jonathan A., Souva, Mark A., Efimov, Nina A., Florida State University, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Program in International Affairs Show less

Abstract/Description

The Russian Civil War is an incredibly complex topic that is frequently oversimplified to a Red vs White framework, where the Bolshevik forces face a perceived monolithic ‘White’ opposition. While this conceptualization can be useful, the reality is much more complex; various factions, some controlling far-flung territories or even no territory, formed and broke alliances with each other and fought furiously to achieve their ends. The ‘White’ forces are frequently presented as an amalgamation... Show moreThe Russian Civil War is an incredibly complex topic that is frequently oversimplified to a Red vs White framework, where the Bolshevik forces face a perceived monolithic ‘White’ opposition. While this conceptualization can be useful, the reality is much more complex; various factions, some controlling far-flung territories or even no territory, formed and broke alliances with each other and fought furiously to achieve their ends. The ‘White’ forces are frequently presented as an amalgamation of different factions and armies that had differing, sometimes opposing, views. The typical view of the Russian civil war is clearly oversimplified, but recent scholarship attempting to reassess the Civil War has brought new insight and understanding to the conflict. In particular, the designation of certain White elements as ‘warlords’ has become more common. The warlord argument provides an alternative to the older, more traditional view of monolithic ‘White’ against ‘Red’ by showing that not all White commanders fought for the same ends, and many were motivated by selfish desires or goals. Similarly, since warlords tend not to work well together, it helps explain the disunity of the White movement. The warlord paradigm has its flaws, namely that the warlords of the Civil War were not common; in fact, the only commanders which truly qualified for the moniker were in the Far East, and barely participated in the Civil War. The warlord framework proves to be quite useless when applied to individual commanders of the White movement, and therefore a better means of reclassification is required. To that end, the White forces, after careful assessment of whether they are warlords, should instead be classified by new criteria. The result is a new dichotomy within the White movement: Western Whites and Eastern Whites. The dichotomy offered is based on orientation, rather than geography. Western White forces were focused on capturing Western Russia, specifically Moscow and Petrograd, while the Eastern Whites were more interested in consolidating their own power base in the Far East. The Western and Eastern White forces were nominally allies and anti-Bolshevik, but practically had very different goals and worked to achieve different ends. The Western Whites were the remnants of the Tsarist military elites, fighting to restore Russia and defeat Bolshevism, while the Eastern Whites were warlords in the employ of foreign powers primarily concerned with their own selfish ends. The main thesis of this work is that the warlord paradigm does not apply to most White commanders, and should be abandoned in favor of a broader Western/Eastern dichotomy. Show less

Date Issued

2016

Identifier

FSU_2016SU_Wonnacott_fsu_0071N_13287

Format

Thesis

Title

Russian Military Logistical Problems: 1914-1920.

Creator

Macharyas, Collin McCarthy, Grant, Jonathan A., Souva, Mark A., Creswell, Michael, Florida State University, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Program in... Show moreMacharyas, Collin McCarthy, Grant, Jonathan A., Souva, Mark A., Creswell, Michael, Florida State University, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Program in International Affairs Show less

Abstract/Description

Throughout the course of the First World War and the Civil War that devastated the country after, Russia's military logistical network continually failed to provide the supplies necessary for its forces to win the colossal conflict which it found itself in from 1914 to 1920. Russia, even with its vastness and resource rich lands, struggled greatly to properly equip its armies. Yet it was not a lack of resources, or even finished war supplies which crippled the country's military logistics,... Show moreThroughout the course of the First World War and the Civil War that devastated the country after, Russia's military logistical network continually failed to provide the supplies necessary for its forces to win the colossal conflict which it found itself in from 1914 to 1920. Russia, even with its vastness and resource rich lands, struggled greatly to properly equip its armies. Yet it was not a lack of resources, or even finished war supplies which crippled the country's military logistics, but rather a constant mismanagement by Russia's bloated and inefficient bureaucracy. During these years of conflict Russia was governed by three uniquely different governments: the Tsarist Empire in its final years of existence, a weak and semi-democratic Provisional Government, and a military junta under the White Resistance against the growing power of the Bolsheviks. Although all three governments were different in their aims for the Russia they ruled, each continued a legacy of mismanagement and inefficiency of the nation's military logistics. This thesis paper examines each of these government's attempt to sustain the conflicts they waged with the necessary weapons and supplies. Throughout the time period covered, there is a continual theme of a misuse of Russia's vast resources, creating a situation where there were plenty of weapons and ammunition but where none was reaching the front lines. Instead, a combination of an inefficient bureaucracy and the monumental egos of that bureaucracy's leadership saw a mismanagement of resources and a complete breakdown of Russia's supply capabilities. Show less

Date Issued

2016

Identifier

FSU_2016SP_Macharyas_fsu_0071N_13232

Format

Thesis

Title

Sergei Rudnev and a Discussion of Selected Works from the Russian Collection Volume III.

Sergei Rudnev’s collection of Russian folk songs arranged for the classical guitar provide an opportunity for musicians to learn about rural and urban Russian folk songs. Russian guitarists are well-aware of Rudnev both for his classical guitar compositions and for being a great performer. His pieces are performed often in recitals and competitions in Russia. Rudnev is even considered a “national treasure”, yet his popularity in the west is not comparable. The most well-known piece is The Old... Show moreSergei Rudnev’s collection of Russian folk songs arranged for the classical guitar provide an opportunity for musicians to learn about rural and urban Russian folk songs. Russian guitarists are well-aware of Rudnev both for his classical guitar compositions and for being a great performer. His pieces are performed often in recitals and competitions in Russia. Rudnev is even considered a “national treasure”, yet his popularity in the west is not comparable. The most well-known piece is The Old-Lime Tree, yet others within The Russian Collection Volume III deserve just as much attention. I have chosen to write this treatise on three of the pieces that I performed for my Doctoral Lecture Recital: The Wanderer’s Song, The Old-Lime Tree, and The Snowball Tree. I have also included a fourth piece, Dance Song, to represent the faster folk-dance styles. These four pieces represent some of the different genres of urban and rural Russian folk songs found within the collection. This treatise is meant to be used as a helpful resource for those guitarists seeking additional information on the works found in The Russian Collection Vol. III. Along with my discussion of the pieces, I will also include a short biography of Sergei Rudnev, as well as the series editor, Matanya Ophee. I was fortunate enough to come across Rudnev’s email address by means of a correspondence with the 2012 Guitar Foundation of America winner, Rovshan Mamedkuliev. I then conducted an interview with Rudnev and have included it in this treatise. The only problem that I encountered with interviewing Rudnev was that he only spoke Russian. I was fortunate enough to find a translator that would work within my budget, and Rudnev was incredibly kind and willing to be interviewed. The entire email correspondence will be included in both Russian and English in this treatise. Show less